Tag: Shelter Dogs

Red Dog Project – Another day for the dogs

  On Saturday approximately 15 volunteers for the Red Dog Project came together at Tractor Supply in Old Saybrook to assist eight dogs, currently enrolled in the program,  in finding a home.  Six of those eight dogs went home with new families that day, and I’m not embarrassed to tell you that tears still come to my eyes every time we clap as the “new family” exits the building.   I’d like to thank Tractor Supply for being so accommodating. Another company that gives back to their community, it’s a beautiful thing.

There is an application process which involves reference checks, landlord approval if the home is not owned, a phone call to the family’s vet.  We do all this to assure that the dog is indeed being place in a good home. Sometimes the process aggravates the adopter. The way I see it… if you don’t have the patience to get through a little screening before you take the dog home, you’re not the right adopter for our dogs.

 
Found of  Dog Days Adoption Events and The Red Dog Project
seen here interviewing a potential adopter. 
 

 
Elsa LOVES children. This dog got a home! 

Kyle with one of our volunteers

 
 
Kyle with his new family – this baby girl and Kyle will be raised together.
It’s a beautiful thing.

 

Macy Grey ( still looking for her forever home)
and Jayce with the TS crew.

 
 
Macy Grey is a Whippet rat terrier mix who is the cheerleader of
the group. Energetic, always happy to see EVERYONE.
Still looking for a home – visit her info on the Adoptable Dogs
tab of the website linked above.

 
 
 
Roger with his new mom.  It was love at first sight!
  She knelt down, he jumped into her lap, and that was that.  

 
 
Thor with his new family, below.

 

So if you’re thinking of adopting, understand that if the rescue really has the welfare of the dog as it’s top priority, there SHOULD be an adoption -process-.  You should be interviewed, you should be asked for references, which SHOULD be checked, and if you don’t own the dwelling you live in, your landlord should be asked for approval before you adopt.  

A lot of effort goes into getting these dogs out of the bad situations they were in to begin with.  We want to make sure they are not going back to another bad situation.  It’s that simple.

HOORAY FOR THE UNDERDOG!!!
If you would like to support our efforts, we are always trying to raise funds
in order to rescue our next group of dogs.  Our dogs are Connecticut and out of state
pound pups, most often taken from high kill shelters.  Every dollar  you donate
goes to the dogs and their care. Visit the websites above and look for the DONATE
button. Send me any questions you may have and I’ll be happy to answer.

Thank you!
 

 
 

Perspective

 Saw this posted on facebook – had to share.  Couldn’t agree more.

An apparently spontaneous attack on a 93 year old woman by a recently adopted ( alleged) Put bull type dog with no record of aggression in a local town and then… another breed close to my heart biting the face of a family member resulting in 200 stitches has me thinking and pondering motive. I’m often asked why, because people want to understand what causes a sudden attack. I don’t have all the answers. Whenever I’m not sure I look to human behaviour ( sorry I just have to spell it the British way) for clues and ultimately answers.

My conclusion is that sometimes we will never know. And here is why:
Newtown school CT, Fort Hood Army base Texas, Columbine high school CO, Franklin high school Pittsburgh PA, Aurora movie theatre. To name just a few.
Sadly the list of humans who apparently snap and go on killing sprees is endless. And there are those with absolute motive such as the most recent killing of three people at a Jewish community centre in Kansas by a KKK member.

The point is that whilst attacks on people by dogs or any other animals are terrible, they are still very low compared to the number of dogs and humans on the planet and must be kept in perspective. Humans attack one another daily, often without motive, leaving us vulnerable and questioning society, but we don’t ban humans because that’s just not reality. We look to understand the early warning signs so that future tragedies may be avoided. An example was the young man who killed so many children in our home state of Connecticut. He did not fit the typical mould of a mass killer.
We understand so little about one another yet we insist other species share our lives, demanding virtual perfection and wonder why things go wrong when we expect so much compliance from them and they fall short of our expectations.

Maybe we should lighten up a little on those other species when we the superior species just cannot get it right; at least not all of the time. We must hold ourselves more accountable before judging lesser species. A little perspective never hurt anyone.

 – Amen.

About those pits

 *sigh*

  Another story in yesterdays news… a 93 year old woman was bitten by a pit-mix, says the media, while out walking in her neighborhood.  Ofcourse what follows is an ugly comment war between pit bull haters and pit bull supporters, and  I’m sure you guessed it     ……. you-know-who just can’t help but interject.  

 Here’s my stance.  I think pit bulls have gotten a really bad reputation, unjustly so.  Are they capable of inflicting BIG harm to a person?  You betcha.  Anything with teeth is capable. Any breed of DOG is capable of attack and biting.  My seven lb. dachsund bit a UPS  Driver with the ferocity and intention to lay that sucker down!   What has to happen is, anyone who owns a dog needs to be responsible for their proper treatment, care, socialization. If you’ve got a big dog, you need to have it under your control at all times and if you’re not ready for that responsibility, then it’s not for you.

  Here’s a truth – Pits have a powerful jaw and they can do serious damage, even causing death in some circumstances.   Another truth – There has been mauling and death with other breeds as well, it is not just a pit bull thing.   At the hands of certain  ill-intending  groups of people,  The PIT bull, however, has been exploited and bred and trained to fight and kill, earning it the most feared and ugly reputation in the dog world. Those particular dogs have issues, as would any abused soul,  and need rehabilitation if they are rescued.  Some are beyond help after being so horribly abused, tortured, maimed.  That’s a sad fact too.

  Years ago, when I was young, it was the rottweiler, not the pit, who had the bad rap.  I’ve raised two of those with my children, never was there a moment that I couldn’t trust them with my kids or even strangers, but I was denied homeowners insurance because we had a rotti in the house.

 Another truth – because I am in dog rescue, I see many pits around here. I have yet to come across one that is aggressive.  Strong, energy packed ? Thick headed with training sometimes?  Absolutely, and any adopter thinking of becoming a  pit owner should know they have an athlete on their hands.  But they are also incredible family members and children and grandchildren are raised with them.  Pitbull ownership isn’t for everyone…. I’d tell you the same about my Dane, Ben.  At 190 lbs.,  he weighs more than me and is stronger.  I keep that in mind whenever I take him in public and I do not let strangers approach,  just because it’s smart to do so.   Common sense.  There it is. 

 The hysteria and hyperventilating and name calling and accusations that fly in the comments of  that story today are awful. It’s not just the cries to euthanize all pits because they are dangerous, or the nasty name calling and sarcasm and opinions not based on fact.. it’s the way we talk to each other when we don’t agree.  How can there possibly be a solution if we can’t be civil in discussing a problem or crisis or issue or claim?   And Lord, when will prejudice not be a word in our vocabulary?

*sigh*   Just…. sayin.

Red Dog Project – Take two

 The first group of dogs in the Red Dog Project have been adopted – the program is a success and benefits so many… for more info or to inquire about adoption, visit  www.reddogproject.org  or e-mail  info@reddogproject.org 

  Today we received, off a transport from the South, the second group of Red Dog pups.   All of these pups were pulled from a kill shelter by a fellow dog rescue person to be transported to CT after having been innoculated and neutered and examined by a vet here in CT. this morning. 

THESE dogs are saved and as of this evening are in the capable and loving hands of the officers and inmates of the York Correctional Institute in Niantic. If interested in donating  to the program or adopting, see contact info above.

The Dog Whisperer

“Spiritual fulfillment doesn’t have to mean belief in a religion or
disbelief in science… Whether one believes in an unseen, all-knowing
force, or the wonder of science and the
universe, or simply the beauty of the human spirit, nearly every one of
us feels an inner longing to feel part of something bigger than
ourselves.” 

– Cesar Millan 


I love this guy… not just because I’m a dog lover.  Do you know his -story- ?  He came to America to better his life. He began his journey here as a very young homeless man living under a highway overpass.  He immediately started a job search, no easy feat under the circumstances.  His first job was at a dog grooming facility , existing on those lovely convenience store hot dogs and water. As it became clear he had a natural way with dogs…he was eventually able to create the Pacific Point Canine Academy.  Jada Pinkett Smith became one of Millan’s first clients and supporters, (he was at that time also a limousine driver) – and she  provided him with an English tutor for a year. Then, Cesar  created the Dog Psychology Center, a 2-acre facility in South Los Angeles —specializing in working with large breed dogs.  Nat Geo took notice and we all know him now as the Dog Whisperer.  He has also been open about his struggle with depression, hoping to help others who might be suffering as well. 

Cesar, you will never read this, I’m sure.. but I’m putting it out into the Universe anyway.. you’re a class act all the way.  The world is a better place because you are in it.

 

First Graduating Class – Red Dog Project!

Well it’s official!  The boys and girls of the First Graduating Class of the Red Dog Project are going to their forever homes!   The program is a huge success and another litter of pups have been pulled from the streets and are on their way to the York Correctional Institute for training.  The pictures below were taken at the Veterinary office today after the pups had their final visit before going home with their adopters. 

 
It’s a beautiful thing.
reddogproject.org

This, That.. and something else entirely.

  I am very pleased to see that the powers that be saw the discrimination in the Brewer Bill in Arizona and the state continues to be open for business… to everyone.  If interested, read article HERE.  

 This has been shared on FB, and for me it epitomizes how I felt about the bill
and the mentality of it. 
On another note, neighbor Carol Ann sent me this..

Amen. 
About the Red Dog Project… since the innaugural  group of dogs has now been adopted, they are bringing nine new pups in from Georgia that were living in a small house along the highway, never handled by humans and in danger of being run over by the highway traffic.  One of our Rescue friends down there pulled them all after the owner of the house made it clear he wasn’t going to care for them… and they are being vetted and eventually spayed/neutered.. and will be transported to the Correctional facility here in CT for training and care – and then adoption.  The Corrections Officers will actually drive down on their own time to pick them up, how awesome is that!!  These guys are adorable… not sure of the mix of breed yet.. any guesses from my readers?   We call them the Highway Nine. 
If you’d like to contribute to their rescue expenses, there’s a donate widget HERE on the Red Dog site.  Every dollar helps us achieve our rescue and rehab mission. You know I’ll keep you posted on the highway nine’s progress.  Red Dog is trying to bring the mom home too…that will be more expensive, as currently there is no foster available for her and she will need to undergo heartworm testing and possibly treatment.  

I love when people come together to get something accomplished in a postive way.It’s a beautiful thing.  And you know.. some would say… “it’s just a bunch of homeless puppies, there are so many others.”And I will tell to look at a pebble you toss in a vast lake.. see how far the ripple travels. Every step taken..counts. Every good deed makes the world a better place,no matter the scale of it.
Amen again.

The Red Dog Project – Success!

 Yesterday, the first Red Dog Adoption Event took place in Old Saybrook, CT at the brand new Tractor Supply.  I love that store, now even more.  For my previous post on Red Dog, click HERE. 

  Two of the four adult dogs that came to the event were adopted and all nine of the  puppies raised at York Correctional Institute have many adoption applications as of today and will be placed with the most suitable families.  The puppies were born just days before arriving at the facility and the inmates have been caring for them and have begun their training. The pups mother was owned by a young woman who had a difficult start in life.  She contacted Dog Days (also Red Dog Project) to see if they could help her with her beloved dog and the newborn pups.  Not only did they step up to help the dog ( now spayed) and babies, this young woman has a job and place to live and a much better chance at life.  It’s a beautiful thing.

Tractor Supply is a wonderful company that supports shelter animals
and is generous with their facilities and supplies. 
Support your local Tractor Supply. 

Bear with one of the officers in charge of his care..
He got a home!

Three of the nine pups, could they BE any more adorable? 
Walter with the blue eyes in the middle was my event favorite.
If I didn’t have four…. 
 
Reggie eyeing what turns out to be his new mom, who lives in my town!

 

The Red Dog Project is a story of second chances and how important it is 
to open our hearts and mind to the concept in so many areas in life. 
It’s also a story of prejudice, and how we can squash it, one step at a time.
Hooray for the Underdog!

The Gold Medal I would give out…

My family has been enjoying the winter Olympics, even though I wanted to boycott the whole thing when I heard Putin was poisoning the stray dogs in the Olympic Village area.. dogs that had been brought there by construction crews to guard the sites, then abandoned when they were no longer needed.  A pest control company was hired to use poison darts to kill the approx. 5,000 dogs disgarded.    Disgusting. 

The Sochi Gold medal I would give out – goes to all the visitors, russian activists and athletes  who are adopting  some of the dogs and puppies who were left behind.  

Several American Olympians of note –  slopestyle skiing silver medalist Gus Kenworthy.  
This guy has actually postponed his return home in order to get the paperwork
necessary to allow him to adopt several stray puppies that have captured his
heart.

 From NBC Connecticut – Lindsey Jacobellis may have failed to medal in snowboard cross in Sochi, but she’s still going home a winner. The Olympian has adopted one of the
Russian town’s famed stray dogs, whose uncertain fates have made for one
of the major human (not to mention canine) interest stories of these
Winter Games.
 
Ryan Miller and the U.S. men’s hockey team have joined the puppy-loving masses.
one of their tweets..
 “Couple of stray dogs have been cleaned up and adopted by players.” 
And there are more!
I love when that happens.  These are my Gold medal winners
Believe it or not, and maybe you are of the same belief,  there people who criticize those from the US  who adopt an animal from elsewhere.  Even now there are some with negative comments about these Olympic adoptions.   My view is.. an animal savedis an animal saved.  You only serve to discourage what is truly courageous and generous behavior when you inflict such criticism.  If you were an American visiting another country and came across a person in immediate need of help and could DO something about it.. would you just walk away because he or she is not an American? 

Jack’s back

I shared with you last week Jacks story… the mangy pit/american bull dog mix found on the streets of Hartford. Two weeks into his adoption, he is awesome.  He loves his new siblings and especially his new family. “P” adopted against the prejudiced opinions of some of her family and friends… who have all come to love this big, inquisitive teddy bear of a dog already.

Jack’s lesson for today… don’t judge a book by it’s cover, 
or someone elses prejudice. 
-Just sayin.